Nectarine tree named ‘Wanectseven’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree (Prunus persica nucipersica), which is denominated varietally as ‘Wanectseven’, and which produces an attractively colored white-fleshed, tight freestone nectarines which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 10 to June 20 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Botanical designation: ‘Prunus persica nucipersica’.

Varietal denomination: ‘Wanectseven’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of nectarine tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and rootstock breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of deciduous fruit varieties and rootstocks by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus species. To this end, both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations are made each year to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling, ‘Wanectseven’ was originated by the breeders and selected from a population of seedlings growing in the experimental orchards located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were derived from planting seed of the variety “Burnecttwentyeight” seedling (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 26,610), which was a yellow-fleshed nectarine used as the female parent. The pollen parent of this seedling was from an un-named, non-patented, white-fleshed nectarine seedling. The resulting fruit was collected from the female parent at a mature stage and seeds were extracted in June of 2013. After a period of stratification, the seed was placed in the greenhouse by population, and then field planted for tree establishment, and ultimately to exhibit fruit for evaluation. One white-fleshed nectarine seedling, which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was then designated as ‘V5.056.118’. This seedling was marked for subsequent observation. After the 2017 fruiting season, the new variety of nectarine tree was selected for advanced evaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree was accomplished by budding the new nectarine tree onto 30 trees of ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (un-patented). This was performed in an experimental orchard located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations of these asexually reproduced plants have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through these succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF VARIETY

‘Wanectseven’ is a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, which is considered of relatively large size, and which has a vigorous growth characteristic. This new tree is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, white-fleshed, low acid fleshed tight freestone fruit which have a very good flavor and eating qualities.

This new nectarine tree has a medium chilling requirement of approximately 400 hours, and further produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree's canopy. In addition to the foregoing, the fruit of the new nectarine also appears to have good handling and shipping qualities. The ‘Wanectseven’ Nectarine tree bears fruit which are typically ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment on approximately June 10 to June 20 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the ‘Pearl Time’ nectarine tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,471), which is the closest known variety, the current variety of nectarine tree bears fruit that is about 5 mm larger. In relative comparison to ‘Burnecttwentyeight’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 26,610) nectarine seed parent tree, the current variety is white fleshed, whereas the seed parent exhibits yellow flesh. In comparing the current variety to its un-named, un-patented nectarine pollen parent, the current variety is about 5 to about 7 mm larger and exhibits more blush on the fruit skin surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a color photograph of three whole mature fruit harvested, from a fifth leaf year tree, from the current variety. One entire fruit is viewed from the apical aspect. A second entire fruit is viewed from the lateral aspect. And a third fruit is shown bisected in two halves at the equatorial plane. One of these half fruits is viewed from the lateral perspective, displaying the flesh color and a portion of the stone. The other half fruit is placed on its base further revealing the fruit flesh and the pit cavity. The external coloration of the fruit as shown in the photograph is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment.

The colors in these photographs are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may, or may not, be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) and descriptions provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty (either expressed or implied) that the present variety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological, or other characteristics as set forth hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, fitness for any purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observed during the sixth fruiting season, and under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of California. All major color code designations are by reference to The RHS Colour Chart (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

TREE

-   Size: Generally considered medium-large in its growth pattern as     compared to other common commercial nectarine cultivars ripening in     the late season of maturity. The tree of the present variety was     pruned to a height of about 270.0 cm to about 310.0 cm at commercial     maturity. Tree size can vary with crop load and the conditions under     which the fruit and tree are grown. -   Width: About 265.0 cm. -   Vigor: Considered moderately vigorous. The present nectarine tree     variety grew from about 175.0 cm to about 180.0 cm in height during     the first growing season. The new variety was pruned to a height of     about 150.0 cm. during the first dormant season, and primary     scaffolds were then selected for the desired tree structure. -   Productivity: Productive. Fruit set varies from more than the     desired crop load to levels higher than desired amounts, when the     new variety is grown in a suitable horticultural zone, and under     appropriate commercial orchard conditions. The fruit set is spaced     by thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the desired     market-sized fruit. The number of the fruit set varies with the     prevailing climatic conditions, and the cultural practices employed. -   Fruit bearing: Regular. Fruit set has been more than adequate during     the previous years of observation, and thinning was necessary during     the past 5 years on both the original seedling and on subsequent     asexually reproduced trees. -   Tree form: Upright and pruned into a vase shape. -   Density: Considered moderately dense. -   Hardiness: The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA     Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling requirements of the     new tree is approximately 400 hours at a temperature below 7.0     degrees C.

The present variety appears to be hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.

TRUNK

-   Diameter: About 22.0 cm in diameter when measured at a distance of     about 15.5 cm above the soil level. This measurement was taken at     the end of the 6th growing season. -   Bark texture: Considered moderately rough, with folds of papery     scarfskin being present. Since bark development and coloration     change with advancing tree age this characteristic varies with the     tree vigor, age and regional conditions. Therefore, this is not a     dependable descriptor of the new variety. -   Lenticels: Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The lenticels     range in size from about 2.0 mm to about 5.0 mm in width, and     between about 1.0 mm and about 2.0 mm in height. The development and     size of the trunk lenticels can be influenced, to some degree, by     the ambient growing conditions and are not necessarily a dependable     characteristic of this variety. As trees of this variety mature,     lenticels are present, but they are generally covered by increasing     layers of cork (mature bark) and therefore become less apparent. -   Lenticel color: Considered an orange color (RHS Greyed-Orange Group     165 B). -   Bark coloration: Variable, but it is generally considered to be an     orange brown (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 A). This bark description     was taken from trees in their fifth leaf which have ruptured the     scarf skin, and which also have developed bark furrowing which is     much more typical of the bark of older trees.

BRANCHES

-   Size: Considered medium large for the variety. -   Diameter: Average as compared to other nectarine varieties. The     branches have a diameter of about 15.0 cm when measured during the     5th year after grafting. -   Flowering shoot thickness: Average for the species. Generally, the     most consistent flower bud development and therefore potential     fruiting sites occur on shoots which are about 8.0 mm in diameter or     larger, but generally less than about 16.0 mm in diameter at the     time of bloom. -   Surface texture: Average and appearing relatively smooth but with     more furrowing on wood which is several years old. -   Crotch angles: Primary branches are considered variable and are     usually growing at an angle of about 50 degrees when measured from a     horizontal plane. -   Current season shoots: Surface texture: Substantially glabrous. -   Internode length: Approximately 3.0 cm. -   Color of mature branches: Approximately Grey brown (RHS Greyed-Brown     Group N200 D). -   Current season's shoots: Color: Light green (RHS Yellow-Green Group     144 D). The color of new shoot tips is considered a bright and shiny     green (RHS Yellow-Green Group 144 D).

LEAVES

-   Size: Considered somewhat large for the species. Leaf measurements     have been taken from vigorous, upright, current-season growth at     approximately mid-shoot. The leaf size is often influenced by     prevailing growing conditions, quality and intensity of available     sunlight, and the location of the leaf within the tree canopy. For     this reason, leaves sizes can vary significantly based upon the     ambient light and other cultural factors listed above and are not     typically considered a dependable botanical descriptor. -   Leaf length: About 170.0 mm to about 195.0 mm (including the     petiole). -   Leaf width: About 45.0 mm to about 52.0 mm. -   Leaf base-shape: The leaves generally exhibit equal marginal     symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis. -   Leaf form: Lanceolate. -   Leaf tip form: Acuminate. -   Leaf color: Upper Leaf Surface: Medium green (approximately RHS     Green Group 137 B). -   Leaf texture:     -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Glabrous.         -   Lower leaf surface.—Glabrous. -   Leaf color: Lower Leaf Surface: Medium green (approximately RHS     Yellow-Green Group 148 A). -   Leaf venation: Pinnately veined. -   Mid-Vein: Color: Considered a pale green (approximately RHS     Yellow-Green Group 145 D). -   Leaf margins: Gently undulating.     -   -   Form.—Considered crenulate.         -   Uniformity.—Generally uniform. -   Leaf petioles:     -   -   Form.—Considered canaliculated and having a more pronounced             trough when viewed from the dorsal aspect. The petiole             margin is considered rounded when viewed from the ventral             aspect.         -   Size.—Considered medium for the species.         -   Length.—About 6.0 mm to about 9.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 1.5 mm to about 2.0 mm.         -   Color.—A yellowed green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green             Group 144 C).         -   Texture.—Glabrous.         -   Strength.—Durable for species until senescence. -   Leaf glands:     -   -   Size.—Considered relatively small for the species; about             1.5 mm. in length; and about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm in             width.         -   Number.—Generally, there is one gland per marginal side, but             in less common instances, there are two glands that appear             per marginal side. Observations of more than two glands per             marginal side are very uncommon.         -   Type.—Glands located at the base of the leaf are             predominantly globose in shape.         -   Color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Brown Group N199 D.             Typically, the coloration of the glands darkens, and             occasionally begins to desiccate relatively early in the             growing season. -   Leaf stipules:     -   -   Size.—Medium large for this variety.         -   Length.—About 13.0 mm.         -   Width.—About 2.0 mm.         -   Number.—Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot tip.         -   Form.—Lanceolate in form and having a strongly serrated             marginal edge.         -   Color.—Green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 141 B)             when young, but graduating to a brown color (approximately             RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 A) with advancing senescence.             The leaf stipules are generally considered to be early             deciduous.

FLOWER BUDS

-   Hardiness: No winter injury (bud death) has been noted during the     last several years of observation in the central San Joaquin Valley.     The new variety of nectarine tree has not been intentionally     subjected to drought, cold or heat stress, and therefore this     information is not available. -   Flower bud:     -   -   Size.—Variable, and dependent on the state of maturity. The             flower buds as described were observed approximately 2 days             into bloom.         -   Length.—About 18.5 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 9.5 mm.         -   Surface texture.—Pubescent.         -   Orientation.—Considered appressed but appear less so as the             blossoms near opening. -   Bud scale color: Approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 175 A.

FLOWERS

-   Date of first bloom: Observed on Feb. 18, 2022.     -   -   Blooming time.—Considered average to slightly early             mid-bloom in relative comparison to other commercial             nectarine cultivars grown in the central San Joaquin Valley.             The date of full bloom was observed on Feb. 24, 2022. The             date of full bloom varies slightly with climatic conditions,             and prevailing cultural practices.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 8 or more days. This             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions. -   Flower class: Considered a perfect flower, complete, and perigynous. -   Flower type: The variety is considered to have a non-showy type     flower. -   Flower size: Considered medium. The flower diameter at full bloom,     is about 26.0 mm to about 31.0 mm. -   Bloom quantity: Considered abundant. -   Flower bud density: Generally considered dense.     -   -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally, two flower buds appear per             node, but occasionally one flower bud per node is observed. -   Petal size: Generally considered medium for the species.     -   -   Petal length.—About 11.0 mm to about 14.0 mm.         -   Petal width.—About 8.5 mm to about 11.5 mm. -   Petal form: Considered broadly ovate. -   Petal count: Nearly always 5. -   Petal texture:     -   -   Upper petal texture.—Very finely pubescent, satin like.         -   Lower petal texture.—Very finely pubescent, satin like. -   Petal color: Both the upper and lower surfaces of the flower petal     are considered a pink at the popcorn stage (RHS Red-Purple Group 67     B). -   Fragrance: Slight. -   Petal claw:     -   -   Form.—The claw is considered ovate and is generally large.         -   Length.—About 8.0 mm.         -   Width.—About 6.5 mm. -   Petal margins: Generally, slightly undulate. -   Petal apex: Generally entire. Occasionally the petal apex can     exhibit notching. -   Flower pedicel:     -   -   Length.—Considered medium with an approximate length of             about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm.         -   Color.—A pale yellow-green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green             Group 151 B) depending on pedicel and fruit maturity and             timing of visual observance.         -   Strength.—Tenacious. Average for the species.         -   Texture.—Generally smooth to slightly undulate. -   Floral nectaries:     -   -   Color.—Considered a pale yellow (approximately RHS             Greyed-Yellow Group 162 B). -   Calyx:     -   -   Surface texture.—Finely pubescent.         -   Color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 172 C. -   Sepals:     -   -   Upper surface texture.—Moderately pubescent.         -   Lower surface texture.—Glabrous.         -   Number.—5 sepals.         -   Size.—Considered medium.         -   Sepal length.—About 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm.         -   Sepal width.—About 3.5 mm to about 5.0 mm.         -   Sepal shape.—Generally obovate.         -   Sepal margin.—Considered smooth and entire.         -   Sepal color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 176 B. -   Anthers:     -   -   Generally.—Average in size.         -   Color.—Yellow when viewed dorsally and prior to dehiscence             (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 20 B).         -   Position relative to stigma.—Generally, the anthers are             superior to the stigma by about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm. -   Pollen production: Pollen is abundant and has a yellow color     (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 20 B). -   Fertility: Self-fertile. -   Filaments:     -   -   Size.—About 10.0 mm to about 14.0 mm in length.         -   Color.—Considered a pale pink (RHS Red-Purple Group 65 D). -   Pistil:     -   -   Number.—Usually one, and only rarely more than one.         -   Generally.—Considered medium in size.         -   Length.—About 12.0 mm to about 17.0 mm in length including             the ovary.         -   Diameter.—About 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm.         -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (approximately RHS             Yellow-Green Group 151 B).         -   Surface texture.—The variety has a long glabrous pistil.         -   Position relative to petals.—At flower maturity the stamens             grow to be superior to the petals.         -   Ovary surface texture.—Glabrous.

FRUIT

-   Maturity when described: Firm ripe condition (shipping ripe). -   Date of first picking: Approximately Jun. 10, 2022. -   Date of last picking: Jun. 20, 2022. The date of harvest can vary     with the prevailing climatic conditions, crop loads, and the current     climatic and cultural practices. -   Size: Generally: Considered large. -   Average cheek diameter: About 80.0 mm to about 84.0 mm. -   Average axial diameter: About 74.0 mm to about 79.0 mm. -   Typical weight: About 270.0 grams. The fruit size and weight can     vary and are dependent on the prevailing cultural practices and     growing conditions and, therefore, is not particularly distinctive     of the new variety. -   Fruit soluble solids: Approximately 15.0 to 18.0 Brix. Fruit sugar     levels can vary significantly depending on fruit maturity, local and     seasonal climatic conditions, and fruit per tree. -   Fruit firmness: Fruit flesh pressures generally averaged 13.0 pounds     at the time the fruit was analyzed. -   Titratable acidity: Approximately 0.30 to 0.42 at commercial harvest     maturity. -   Fruit form: Generally: Considered globose to slightly oblate. The     fruit is generally very uniform in symmetry. -   Mucron tip: Absent. -   Fruit suture: No stitching exists along the suture line. -   Suture: Color: Generally, the fruit appears blushed to the same     degree as the skin (approximately RHS Red-Purple Group 60 A). -   Ventral surface: Form: Considered even and uniform in appearance     when it is viewed from the lateral, sutural plane. -   Apex: Shape: Slightly retuse. -   Base: Shape: Generally smooth: -   Stem cavity: Generally: It extends in a rounded circular form which     is generally considered uniform. The stem cavity is rounded but     extended toward the suture. The average depth of the stem cavity is     about 10.0 mm to about 13.0 mm. The average width of the stem cavity     is about 17.5 mm. The average length of the stem cavity, when     measured in the sutural plane, is about 29.0 mm. -   Fruit skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Considered medium in thickness and tenacious to             the flesh.         -   Surface texture.—Glaborous.         -   Conspicuousness of lenticels.—Occasionally present, most             noted laterally and toward the apex of the fruit.         -   Taste.—Non-astringent.         -   Tendency to crack.—Not observed in the previous years of             observation and evaluation. -   Fruit skin color:     -   -   Blush color.—Generally speaking, a red blush exists on a             majority of the skin of the fruit (approximately RHS             Red-Purple Group 60 A) and is more typically present on the             portions of the fruit facing the sunlight. The blush of the             fruit typically covers approximately 85% to 95% of the fruit             skin surface. The percentage of the blush on the fruit skin             surface can vary and is generally dependent upon the fruit's             exposure to direct sunlight, specific fruit maturity, and             the prevailing ecological and cultural conditions under             which the fruit was grown. -   Ground color: A faint yellowish white (approximately RHS Green-White     Group 157 D). The ground color of the fruit can vary significantly     based upon the maturity of the fruit when this measurement is taken     and generally gains a lighter and less green cast with higher     maturity. -   Fruit glossiness: Fruit is considered medium in glossiness -   Fruit stem:     -   -   Size.—Medium in length, about 6.0 mm to about 8.0 mm.         -   Diameter.—About 3.5 mm to about 4.5 mm.         -   Color.—Pale yellow-green (approximately RHS Yellow-Green             Group N144 D). -   Fruit flesh:     -   -   Ripening.—Considered even.         -   Texture.—Firm, crunchy, juicy, and dense. Considered             non-melting in flesh classification.         -   Fibers.—Present, but not prominent.         -   Aroma.—Slight.         -   Eating quality.—Considered very good.         -   Flavor.—Considered sweet with medium-low acidity.         -   Juice production.—Moderate.         -   Brix.—About 15.0 degrees to about 18.0 degrees. This             characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruits per             tree, fruit position on the tree, the maturity of fruit when             harvested, the prevailing cultural practices, and the             ambient climatic conditions.         -   Acidity.—Considered medium. About 0.35 titratable acidity at             fruit harvest.         -   Flesh color.—It is considered white (approximately RHS White             Group 155 D).

STONE

-   Type: Considered a tight freestone. -   Size: It is generally considered to be medium for the species. -   Length: Average, about 35.0 mm to about 39.0 mm. -   Width: Average, about 27.0 mm to about 31.0 mm. -   Diameter: Average, about 18.0 mm to about 22.0 mm. -   Form: Roughly ovoid. -   Stone base: Shape: The stone is considered shortly attenuate. -   Apex: Shape: The stone exhibits a slightly extended acute apex. -   Stone surface:     -   -   Surface texture.—Considered irregularly furrowed toward the             apex. Further, more pitting exists in the mid-portion of the             stone (laterally) and is more common toward the base.         -   Ridges.—Ridging is generally more prominent and is usually             oriented parallel and laterally relative at the ventral and             dorsal margins. Ridges nearer the dorsal edge tend to swirl             inward and away from the dorsal edge.         -   Ventral edge.—The ventral edge is generally described as             having adjoining ridges formed from each hemisphere. There             are longitudinal grooves running alongside this joined             ventral suture.         -   Dorsal edge.—Shape — Generally considered pronounced but             even. The folds of the surface ridges appearing on the             external margins often end gently along the suture. -   Stone color: The color of a mature, dry stone is generally     considered a dull brown (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 166     B). Stone color can vary considering how recently the fruit has     ripened, harvested, degree of oxidation, surface drying, and     blanching due to exposure sunlight. -   Tendency to split: Splitting has rarely been noted. -   Kernel:     -   -   Length.—About 17.0 mm to about 22.0 mm.         -   Width.—About 15.0 mm to about 18.0 mm.         -   Thickness.—About 4.0 mm to about 6.0 mm.         -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium in size.         -   Form.—Considered generally ovoid.         -   Kernel surface texture.—Kernel pellicle is shortly             pubescent.         -   Color.—A dark tan (RHS Greyed-Orange Group N163 C). -   Use: The present variety ‘Wanectseven’ is considered to be a     nectarine tree of the early season of maturity, which produces fruit     which are considered to be firm, attractively colored, and which are     useful for both local and long-distance shipping. -   Keeping quality: Appears very good. The fruit of the present variety     has stored well for periods of up to 25 days after harvest at 1.0     degree Celsius. -   Shipping quality: Good. The fruit of the new nectarine tree variety     showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage after being     subjected to normal harvesting and packing procedures. -   Resistance to insects and disease: No susceptibilities were noted.     The present variety has not been intentionally tested to expose or     detect any susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit     diseases, insect, frost, winter injury, or other environmental     factors.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Fowler, Calif., in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley of California, variations of the usual magnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest control, frost, climatic variables, and changes in horticultural management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of nectarine tree, what we claim is new, and desire to secure by Plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new distinct variety of nectarine tree substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored white-fleshed, tight freestone nectarine which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 10 to June 20 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 